This past July, members of the San Miguel Committee visited San Miguel, El Salvador. Interim Committee President, Russell Ramirez, along with committee members Orlando Gamarra, Mauricio Coreas, Manfredo Mejia, and Jose Pineda, met with the staff and students of the English language program. The over 60 students, ranging in age from 12 to 17 and who come from 5 different San Miguel public high schools, welcomed the delegation with a short program, presented souvenirs as a token of their appreciation, and had an opportunity to speak with the delegates afterward at the reception.
This English language program is a proud effort of the San Miguel Committee members who launched it initially as a summer school program in 2022; but, changed it to a 9-month after school program that follows the regular school year in 2023. The program has 3 levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Orlando Gamarra, who serves as the Director of Education for the Committee, was “so impressed by the program and especially the kids, who were so grateful that they could study English.” Orlando added that “the Committee has sent over 1,000 English books and novels, as well as educational materials such as pens, pencils, dictionaries, and notebooks to San Miguel.”
The San Miguel Committee members also had an opportunity to meet with the newly-elected Mayor of San Miguel, Alex Torres, who told them that he had visited the school [which is housed in a City Hall owned building] and was happy with the program. Mr. Torres also assured the ASCA representatives that the classroom space will always be available for the students’ English language lessons.
Finally, a day of soccer games with girls from the area San Miguel high schools and a contingent from Arlington (18 years old and older) was held. Sporting team shirts with the ASCA logo emblazoned on it, the girls showed their prowess on the field and having a great time with their Sister City counterparts.
